Summer temperatures can get extremely high in the UAE, which also raises the temperature inside homes. To reduce this impact, creating a vertical garden against the wall is an effective solution. Plants act as a natural defence layer against the scorching beams of the sun and also elevate the aesthetics. These gardens can be built in small indoor and outdoor spaces, even on a balcony.
Here we have combined ideas for creating a vertical garden on your balcony.
What is a Vertical Garden
A vertical panel (freestanding or attached) on which plants are grown is known as a vertical garden. The vertical garden is also known as plant walls, living green walls and moss walls. These walls enable residents to grow plants in compact spaces such as balconies.
How to Build a Vertical Garden
Here are the steps involved in creating a vertical garden on your balcony. However, before you opt for any of these ideas, make sure they comply with the balcony rules and regulations in Dubai and other Emirates.
Select a Wall or Empty Space
The first step in creating a vertical garden is to find a suitable palace for the garden, this can be a wall or any empty space. Make sure that the wall receives enough sunlight. If you have a smaller balcony, then simply place shelves on the right and left side walls of the balcony.
Choose Frames
Once you have selected the wall for the vertical garden, it is time to choose an appropriate shelf for the plantation. A wide range of frames can be used for this purpose. We have mentioned some commonly used frames below:
- Landscape Fabric: These are the perforated fabric that allows water and moisture to reach the soil. It can be simply placed on a plane wall to grow plants on it.
- Tuter: It is a 3D frame that allows hanging space for multiple pots.
- Trellis: These are crisscrossed frames on which pots can be placed.
- Hanging Pots: These are simple pots equipped with a hanger or hook that can be used to attach pots to the ceiling.
- Ladder Shelves: These are ladder-shaped frames with space to hold pots.
While selecting frames, make sure not to use wooden frames. The wooden frames expand or contract with the change in temperature and also hold moisture that can decay the wall.
Select the Right Plants
After choosing an appropriate shelf, it is time to seed your plants. You can choose from a wide range of outdoor plants for your home. Generally, people plant Broadleaf Lady Palm, Chinese Evergreen, Bamboo Palm, Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Blood Leaf, Wild Jasmine, Elephant Bush and Wild Petunia.
However, make sure that the plant you selected is adapted to the environment of the Emirates. It is suggested to use herbs, shrubs, or smaller flower plants for your garden, as they are smaller in size and easy to maintain.
These were all the steps involved in creating a balcony vertical garden. Along with plants, you can also embed different balcony decoration ideas to increase the aesthetics of your house.
Tips on Vertical Garden
Here are some tips that will aid you in creating and maintaining vertical gardens.
Match the Location of Garden and Type of Plant
It is essential to match the location of your vertical garden and the type of flora you plant. Many plants require limited sunlight and if they are exposed to excessive sunlight, it can damage plants. Therefore, it is suggested to use plants in accordance with the amount of sunlight received by your balcony.
Use Mobile Frame
Using a mobile frame for a vertical garden is a suitable option if you are living on rent. These frames exempt any additional work on the wall and can be moved when required. Moreover, mobile frames are convenient for cleaning plant debris. This also helps you in acquiring security deposits from your landlord without any deduction, as the walls remain in their original condition.
Make Use of Quality Soil
Soil plays a major role in the maintenance and growth of plants. Make sure to choose the correct soil for plants. Generally, sandy loam soil is considered ideal for the garden.
Regular Pest Control is Necessary
Plants attract pests that can cause multiple problems. Therefore, regular pest control is necessary to restrict the growth of bugs and rodents in the garden. For this purpose, you can opt for pest control companies in Dubai and other Emirates.
Utilise Recycled Materials
It is not necessary to purchase new items for creating a vertical garden on your balcony. You can use recycled materials like soda bottles for creating your garden. This will help in recycling and reducing the products, thus creating a positive environmental impact.
FAQs
What is a vertical garden?
A vertical garden is a way of growing plants on a wall or a vertical structure. It saves space and adds greenery to small areas like balconies.
Which plants are best for a balcony vertical garden?
Herbs like mint and basil, flowering plants like petunias, and low-maintenance plants like succulents are ideal. They grow well in limited space and need little care.
Do I need special tools to create a vertical garden?
Not many. Basic items like pots, soil, seeds, and a vertical frame are enough. A small watering can and pruning scissors are also helpful.
These were all the steps and tips involved in creating a vertical garden on our balcony. Balconies are essential parts of the house. Other than creating a garden, the space can be used for multiple purposes. Therefore, if you are living without a balcony, you are missing a lot. Browse through these apartments for rent in the UAE and move into a new apartment with a balcony.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more tips on decorating your balcony.
